Pacific Crest Trail Association - Preserving, Protecting and Promoting

Since 1977, the PCTA has protected, maintained,
and advocated for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Crest Circle, Become a monthly donor.

Volunteer

PCTA Membership, Join or renew today!

Saddle up

From trailhead conditions to tips on
safety and logistics

Take a hike

Trip basics to long-distance permits,
maps and gear

Latest News

Watch PCTA's 2020 trail information webinar
2 days ago

Advocacy trip supports the Pacific Crest Trail
6 days ago

Join PCTA’s trail information webinar on February 24
1 week ago

Permit changes for overnight travel on the southern Pacific Crest Trail
4 weeks ago

Featured

Project schedule

PCT alumni thruhikers standing at the northern terminus on the Canadian border

Finishers and Alumni

Chicken Spring Lake on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Journalist

Trail closures

Stream crossing safety advice for hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail

Stream crossing safety while hiking and backpacking

Buy our PCT book today. You'll love it. The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail is truly special. Published by Rizzoli. Written by Mark Larabee, Barney Scout Mann, with a forward from Cheryl Strayed.

Our book | The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America’s Wilderness Trail

When to hike the PCT

Fin Dome in Kings Canyon National Park. The Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail winding away.

Permits

America’s National Trails System

Photo of dog hiking on leash with backpack.

Hiking with dogs

Muir Hut in Kings Canyon National Park is being searched for a missing person during the winter. Photo courtesy of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

Emergency beacons, lost hikers, trip plans, and search and rescue

Dormouse near the end of her southbound PCT thru-hike.

Southbound thru-hike guide